Carolina Jessamine (aka Yellow Jessamine)
Gelsemium sempervirens

Hardy to Zone 6
Bloom Time - Early Spring
Color - Bright yellow
Foliage - Glossy, light green 1"-4" narrow leaves
Flower - Tubular 1" to 1 1/2", fragrant
Size - Climbs to 20 feet
Exposure - Full sun
Growth rate - Moderate to fast

Culture - Grows well in average well-drained soils. Full sun is preferable for best blooming but the vine can tolerate some shade. Any pruning should be done immediately after flowering.

Comments - You know spring has arrived when the carolina jessamine starts to bloom. This popular vine is almost over-used but it is so reliable and beautiful that it is hard to beat. It can be grown on mailboxes, fences, archways or almost any other type of support you can think of. It is a rather vigorous vine and grows quite rapidly after becoming established. Pruning to keep it in check is advisable. Heaviest bloom is in the spring although sporadic flowers can appear throughout the season. The glossy leaves are pretty throughout the year and the vine is evergreen in warmer areas of the south. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.

Back to Vines